Minnesota Department of Agriculture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is a government agency in Minnesota responsible for managing the state's food supply, natural resources, and agricultural economy.[1]
Formed1885
Preceding Government agency
- Minnesota State Dairy Commission
Headquarters625 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55155
Government agency executive
- Thom Petersen, Commissioner
| Government agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1885 |
| Preceding Government agency |
|
| Headquarters | 625 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55155 |
| Government agency executive |
|
History
The department began as the Minnesota State Dairy Commission in 1885 to eliminate the sale of adulterated milk and block the sale of oleomargarine as a substitute for butter. It was staffed by a department head, a single assistant and one clerk who doubled as the food chemist. In 1885, the budget was $6,000 per year.[2]
Commissioners
- Chris Heen (1920–1925).[3][4]
- Byron G. Allen (1955–1961)
- Jon Wefald (1971-1978)
- William Walker (1978-1979)
- Mark W. Seetin (1979-1983)
- James W. Nichols (1983-1991)
- Elton Redalen (1991–1995)
- Gene Hugoson (1995–2011)
- David Frederickson (2011–2019)
- Thom Petersen (2019–present)
